Redevelopment

Current Redevelopment Efforts

Commercial Redevelopment

South Jefferson RedevelopmentThe redevelopment of the South Jefferson Area is one of the largest and most significant redevelopment projects undertaken by the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the City of Roanoke. The project provides needed land for economic development without destroying existing parks, green space or wetlands. The planned campus-style layout creates a work environment that attracts high-tech companies.

With the potential for 1,250,000 square feet of development and 2,500 jobs, the new Riverside Centre for Research and Technology will occupy land purchased along Jefferson Street and Reserve Avenue. The proposed 76-acre technology park will be the home of the Carilion Biomedical Institute and other cutting edge biotechnology firms.

In two short years, RRHA completed the acquisition of Phase I properties, the preparation of sites in Phase I of the project (the redevelopment area bounded by Reserve Avenue, I-581, Franklin Road and Jefferson Street) and assisted with the relocation of several businesses to make way for redevelopment. In all, RRHA acquired approximately 30 acres of land that hold remarkable potential to expand the vitality and service area of downtown.

The Riverwalk Parking Deck, a 1000-car parking garage has been completed, along with a daycare center. The five-level garage will serve Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital along with the Carilion Biomedical Institute and other facilities in the Riverside Centre for Research and Technology. This project was the first step in creating what promises to be a high-tech medical corridor for the region.